Three teams remain in hunt for state title

Posted on Friday, November 22, 2013 at 4:32 pm

The opening round of the Virginia High School League 2013 Football Sectional playoffs got underway and three of the six teams from Northern Neck remain in the hunt for a state championship. Out of the six teams, two will travel for the second round beginning this Friday.

In the 1A East sectional playoffs three teams from the Northern Neck were eliminated. The 15th seeded Northumberland Indians (3-8) was dropped on the road by second-seed Altavista (10-1) 62-18, 13th seeded Lancaster (4-7) was eliminated by fourth seeded Central Lunenburg (9-2) 49-21, and sixth seeded Rappahannock (8-3) avenged an early lost to 11th seeded Colonial Beach (5-6) winning 21-8.

Essex, Rappahannock and Washington & Lee will represent the Northern Neck, but only one could win the Group 1A State Championship in Dec. 14. Should Essex and W&L win in the second round, Essex over ninth seeded Parry McCluer (8-3) and Washington & Lee at fourth seeded Central Lunenburg (9-2), the two could give fans another serving during Thanksgiving weekend.

Rappahannock remains on the other side of the bracket and could potentially face one W&L or Essex in the state championship. Before they do, they will travel to second third seeded Franklin (10-1) on Nov. 22. All games kick-off at 7 p.m. Franklin defeated William Campbell (1-10) 50-8.

Should Rappahannock win on Nov. 22, they could travel to second seeded Altavista or host 10th seeded Sussex Central for the third round.

The road to the state championship will continue through the first week of December when qualifiers play opponents from the west. Winners will then advance to the state championship on Dec. 14 at the Salem Field.

Spectators must keep in the mind the following changes for Friday’s football game: the cost of entry per person is $7. Only certain passes through the VHSL and VHSCA are permitted.